On the back of
my last blog “The Socialisation of Medicine”, which deals with
bringing health issues out of institutions and back into the
community, The Green Man Herbal Apothecary is now hosting as a Food
Bank Collection Point for the Malvern Hills area.

There is too
often a misconception as to the type of people needing to use a food
bank. The truth of the matter is that such a need greatly reflects
on the poor state of our society rather than on the individuals using
the service.

As is often
said, most of us are two pay cheques away from living on the street
and going hungry. Those who require the food bank may do so due to
low income, debt, job loss, illness, benefit changes as well as other
reasons.

The idea that
many find themselves in financial difficulty because of irresponsible
spending gained clarity for me a number of months ago while listening
to the Andrew Easton show on Hereford and Worcester radio. A guest
he had on the show helps people in debt to organise their expenses
and income. He said that about 10 or 15 years ago many of the people
he helped were in their dire position because of misspending on
luxury goods. Now he finds this is no longer the case and that many
of the people are finding themselves in trouble paying their regular
bills due to insufficient income.

For those of you
wishing to contribute to the food bank you can drop non-perishable
items off at the Apothecary during my Drop in Hours.